Anti-vaxxers hate your children

What is happening in Samoa is exactly what science and history tell us to expect when the measles virus is introduced into a population with low immunity. Sick, hospitalised, immune-damaged Read More ...

Measles has peaked in Samoa…

In one of the most satisfying graphs I’ve ever made, this plot of weekly measles cases – both suspected and confirmed (the minority) – shows that the epidemic of measles Read More ...

Buy a gift with real impact this year

Hi All. This is just a small festive season appeal to you. Please consider spending a few dollars on those in need of our support in the lead-up to the Read More ...

Measles has peaked in Samoa…

Posted onDecember 11, 2019December 11, 20191 Comment

In one of the most satisfying graphs I’ve ever made, this plot of weekly measles cases – both suspected and confirmed (the minority) – shows that the epidemic of measles Read More …

Anti-vaxxers hate your children

Posted onNovember 27, 2019December 1, 20196 Comments

An early look at influenza in the US highlights that the south does not predict the north

Posted onNovember 24, 2019November 24, 20191 Comment

Influenza (flu) hit Australia earlier in 2019 than it had for many years. It reached a very high peak of cases and the flu season lasted for longer than usual. Read More …

Buy a gift with real impact this year

Posted onNovember 19, 2019November 25, 2019Leave a comment

Hi All. This is just a small festive season appeal to you. Please consider spending a few dollars on those in need of our support in the lead-up to the Read More …

H3N2 is 50 years old and still going strong

Posted onNovember 19, 2019November 19, 20191 Comment

The highly variable H3N2 influenza viruses which seem to cause us the most trouble, heartache and headlines have only been with us since 1968. These tiny droplets of dread emerged Read More …

Measles in the Pacific via travel from New Zealand

Posted onOctober 25, 2019October 25, 2019Leave a comment

Below are some of the latest numbers around the epidemic of measles in New Zealand, and the outbreaks in Australia which are currently linked to New Zealand via infected travellers. Read More …

Flu B viruses: why not H-something-N-something?

Posted onOctober 1, 2019October 1, 2019Leave a comment

The world of influenza (Flu) is filled with many strange things. One of these is why we label the influenza A (FluA) viruses with an “H” (short for the name Read More …

The reality of vaccination success…

Posted onSeptember 23, 2019September 23, 20191 Comment

Perhaps we all forget just how well vaccines have protected us over the decades. Here’s a reminder! Vaccination success is not something we keep in front of mind because it’s Read More …

Flu in a ScienceWeek flash 🏃

Posted onSeptember 11, 2019September 17, 2019Leave a comment

I was asked to present a talk for science week 2019. I thought an explanation of the unprecedented 2019 influenza (flu) season (nicknamed flunami) would be a good talk. But Read More …

Could Measles virus and Ebola virus be working together in the DRC?

Posted onSeptember 7, 2019September 9, 20192 Comments

Measles, resulting from measles virus (MeV) infection can cause immune suppression and “immune amnesia”. MeV infection most often affects non-immune children but can occur in any age group. Immune suppression Read More …

Virology Down Under

Facts, data, info, expert opinion and a reasonable, occasionally grumpy, voice on viruses: what they are, how they tick and the illnesses they may cause.

Latest posts...

Anti-vaxxers hate your children

Measles has peaked in Samoa…

Buy a gift with real impact this year

Measles has peaked in Samoa…

Anti-vaxxers hate your children

An early look at influenza in the US highlights that the south does not predict the north

Buy a gift with real impact this year

H3N2 is 50 years old and still going strong

Measles in the Pacific via travel from New Zealand

Flu B viruses: why not H-something-N-something?

The reality of vaccination success…

Flu in a ScienceWeek flash 🏃

Could Measles virus and Ebola virus be working together in the DRC?